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Songwriting

Express Yourself

Our program addresses this craft on many levels from beginners to folks who have approached this art form for years. Our teachers are skilled, experienced, and full of inspiration.

Why bother writing songs?
Creative expression is good for you and good for the universe. Expressing yourself musically and searching for your truths and motivations makes you a more compassionate person and pours positive energy back into the universe.

New to songwriting? Songwriting: Fundamentals is a great place to start.

Songwriting: Fundamentals

Beginner

Monday, Wednesday or Sunday with Charles Kim, Abigail Lyons or Josh Ruebeck

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Own the keys that will unlock the songs within you.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Songwriting: Continuing Work

Intermediate

Monday, Tuesday or Sunday with Charles Kim or Steve Dawson

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Expand the range of your self-expression through songs.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Online

Finish Your Damn Songs!

Intermediate

Tuesday with Steve Dawson

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Get motivated and achieve fruition.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

6 Songwriting Memos for the New Millennium

Intermediate

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager John Huber with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

4 Songwriting Memos

Open to All

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 4 weeks  ·  $128 ($108 members)

Your Creative Process: 7 Questions

Intermediate

Wednesday with Sue Demel

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Recharge your songwriting, singing, and performances by expanding your inner and outer voice.

Location: Online

Home Recording Studio for Singer-Songwriters

Intermediate

Tuesday with Bill Brickey

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Location: Online

Introduction to Audio Engineering with GarageBand

Beginner

Monday with Jordan Paine

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Music Theory for Songwriting

Open to AllNew!

Tuesday with Charles Kim

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

New Year's Resolutions and Songwriting: A Workshop with Kacie Swierk

WorkshopOpen to AllNew!

Saturday with Staff

90 minutes  ·  Once a week for 1 week  ·  $35 ($30 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Queer Song Circle

WorkshopOpen to AllNew!

Sunday with Nathan Kistler or Josh Ruebeck

90 minutes  ·  Once a week for 1 week  ·  $0 ($0 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Singer-Songwriter 4 Weeks to Fabulous

Intermediate

Tuesday with Julia Storke

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 4 weeks  ·  $128 ($108 members)

You can do it! on your mark…get ready…set

Location: Online

Songwriting: Playfulness and Process

Open to AllNew!

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Writing Songs for Children 4 week class

Open to All

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 4 weeks  ·  $128 ($108 members)

Private Lesson Options

Our private lessons like our group classes run in 8-week sessions, however, you can begin private lessons during any week in the session. Please call our customer service folks at 773.728.6000 to register as private lesson availability is based upon individual teacher schedules.

Lessons are scheduled weekly, for 30, 45 or 60 minutes, and are available every day of the week at our Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park locations. Our experienced and professional faculty will work with you to develop an individualized program that helps you achieve your musical goals.

Stop in at either location or call the front desk at 773.728.6000 to register.


8-week Session Prices

$336 for 30 minutes ($326 for members)

$480 for 45 minutes ($465 for members)

$616 for 60 minutes ($596 for members)


Session & Registration Dates

8-week lessons: 10/28/2024 – 12/22/2024

Monday 09/23/24: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 10/07/24: Transfer registration

Wednesday 10/09/24: Open registration

8-week lessons: 01/06/2025 – 03/02/2025

Monday 11/18/24: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 12/02/24: Transfer registration

Wednesday 12/04/24: Open registration

8-week lessons: 03/03/2025 – 04/27/2025

Monday 01/27/25: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 02/10/25: Transfer registration

Wednesday 02/12/25: Open registration

8-week lessons: 04/28/2025 – 06/22/2025

Monday 03/24/25: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 04/07/25: Transfer registration

Wednesday 04/09/25: Open registration


Teachers

Click for teacher profiles and schedules

Rachael Botz »
Fiddle, Violin, Mandolin, Viola, Songwriting, Wiggleworms

Steve Dawson »
Guitar, Songwriting

Sue Demel »
Songwriting, Performance

Deanna Devore »
Guitar, Songwriting

Charles Kim »
Bass, Composition, Guitar, Songwriting, Ukulele (including Baritone), Mandolin

Camille McClellan »
Guitar, Songwriting

Shelley Miller »
Guitar, Songwriting, Ukulele, Ensembles

Josh Ruebeck »
Audio Engineering, Voice, Guitar, Bass, Songwriting

Temple Schultz »
Voice, Piano, Songwriting

Jacob Sweet »
Bass Guitar, Guitar, Songwriting, Ukulele